Verapamil effects on left ventricular performance in patients with congestive heart failure studied with echocardiography before and after cardiac surgery

Abstract

Cardiac effects of a single dose of verapamil was studied with digitalization of M-mode echocardiograms in 6 patients before and after surgery, along with pharmacological examinations. Corresponding to the different distribution volume and excretion pre- and postoperatively, the cardiodepressive effect on the contraction of the left ventricle was more pronounced and lasted longer postoperatively. Probably due to initial reduction of peripheral resistance, there was an initial improvement of ventricular contractility indices. Obviously depending on serum concentration, maximal cardiodepression occurred at 35–40 ng/ml, and no effect could longer be found as the values reached 20 ng/ml, pre- as well as postoperatively.

Key Words:

• cardiac function
• verapamil
• cardiodepression
• pharmacokinetics
• computerized M-mode echocardiography